The glossy BBQ chicken lies atop a bed of vibrant green watercress, which contrasts sharply with the sunset orange of the sweet potato mash. The whole plate is packed with vivid colors and dynamic textures, looking as tempting as it tastes.

Charred BBQ Chicken with Watercress Salad and Sweet Potato Mash

Name: Charred BBQ Chicken with Watercress Salad and Sweet Potato Mash
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 2 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 handfuls watercress washed and dried; 2 Chicken breasts, boneless and skinless none; 2 large Sweet Potatoes peeled and diced; 1/2 cup BBQ sauce none; 2 tablespoons Olive oil none; to taste Salt none; to taste Black pepper none; 2 tablespoons Butter none; 1/4 cup Milk none

Smoky BBQ chicken, peppery watercress salad, and luscious sweet potato mash.

Category BBQ

Prep 15 minutes

Cook 30 minutes

Style American

Technique BBQ

Diet Friendly Gluten-Free

Daily recipe · February 09, 2026

A little about this dish

This elegant take on BBQ combines the smoky flavour of BBQ chicken with the peppery crispness of watercress, underpinned by the richness of sweet potato mash. Each ingredient contributes a unique dimension, making this dish stand out both in taste and appearance.

Ingredients (for 2)

Watercress — 2 handfuls — washed and dried
Chicken breasts, boneless and skinless — 2 — none
Sweet potatoes — 2 large — peeled and diced
Bbq sauce — 1/2 cup — none
Olive oil — 2 tablespoons — none
Salt — to taste — none
Black pepper — to taste — none
Butter — 2 tablespoons — none
Milk — 1/4 cup — none

Preparation

Step 1 — 🔥🍗🧂

Preheat the BBQ (or grill pan) on high heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and olive oil.
Step 2 — 🍖🔥🔄

Grill the chicken breasts for 7 to 8 minutes, until char marks appear. Brush generously with BBQ sauce, flip and repeat on the other side. Once cooked, let them rest on a plate.
Step 3 — 🍠💧🔀

While the chicken is resting, cook the diced sweet potatoes in boiling water until tender. Drain them well, then return them to the pot.
Step 4 — 🥔🥛🧈

Add butter and milk to the diced sweet potatoes and mash until smooth. Season with salt and pepper.
Step 5 — 🥗🍗🥘

Arrange the watercress on the plates, place the BBQ chicken on top, and a dollop of sweet potato mash on the side. Serve immediately.

A final fox tip

Switch it up by substituting chicken for pork or tofu for vegetarian option. For a twist, you can also add a bit of BBQ sauce to your sweet potato mash for a smoky flavor. Kids will love helping mash the potatoes. This dish has a lovely story to it, originating in the southern states but gaining popularity all over the world. It's a true reflection of how simple ingredients can create a fuss-free yet delicious meal.